Ladies and gentlemen,

As we conclude today’s Policy Roundtable on Advancing Justice Responses for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Linked to Terrorism, I am inspired by the depth and breadth of the discussions we’ve shared. Each session brought forth powerful reflections, critical challenges, and forward-looking solutions, creating a clear roadmap for the work that lies ahead.

Allow me to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Switzerland for their generous funding of this roundtable and their invaluable support in helping establish this initiative in 2022. And a special thanks to Ambassador Sandra Lendenmann, Vice-Director of the Directorate of International Law at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and her dedicated team for making this roundtable happen.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the Government of Malta, and the MCC, for graciously hosting us today and, finally, to all our donors who have supported our efforts on the initiative related to sexual violence linked to terrorism since 2022. Your unwavering contributions have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward and making meaningful progress toward justice and accountability.

Allow me to synthesize some of the most striking and valuable insights from today’s sessions.

Session 1: Strengthening Global Responses to SGBV Linked to Terrorism

• Accountability as a Spectrum: We explored how justice extends beyond criminal prosecution to include transitional justice, reparations, and sanctions, underscoring the importance of holistic approaches.
• Universal Relevance of SGBV: SGBV is not limited to specific terrorist groups but is deeply rooted in gender inequality and patriarchal systems that reinforce violent masculinities.
• Legal Complexity: Participants highlighted the challenges posed by fragmented domestic definitions of SGBV and the need for flexible legal frameworks that adapt to diverse contexts.
• Promising Practices: Structural investigations, cumulative charging, and inter-agency cooperation emerged as critical tools for bridging accountability gaps.

Session 2: Bridging the Accountability Divide

• Regional Realities: From the Lake Chad Basin to Sudan, we examined the unique ways in which conflict exacerbates SGBV, emphasizing the need for localized, survivor-centered approaches.
• Inclusivity in Advocacy: The lack of focus on male victims and marginalized communities was a striking gap, calling for broader gender-neutral language and tailored support systems.
• Role of Customary Justice: While these systems often serve as vital mechanisms of community dispute resolution, they must evolve to align with principles of justice and equity for all survivors.
• Civil Society’s Role: Participants underscored the invaluable work of grassroots organizations in documenting abuses and advocating for justice, particularly in areas where state systems fall short.

Session 3: Tech Justice – Leveraging Digital Tools

1. Terrorist groups increasingly exploit online platforms to facilitate and amplify SGBV (term now known as OGBV), including livestreaming and dissemination of explicit content, posing new accountability challenges.
2. Algorithmic amplification of harmful content and limited platform accountability exacerbate the risks to survivors.
3. Cross-platform collaboration and shared databases, such as GIFCT’s hash-sharing tool, were highlighted as promising tools to counteract online threats.
4. The session called for trauma-informed digital systems to enable safe and effective survivor participation in legal processes.
5. A balanced approach to regulating online content is needed to avoid overreach and protect fundamental rights while ensuring accountability.

Session 4: Closing the Justice Gap

1. International courts and regional mechanisms must harmonize their efforts to address the multifaceted nature of SGBV linked to terrorism.
2. Codifying concepts like “gender apartheid” could provide a new avenue for prosecuting systemic and non-sexual gender-based harms.
3. Structural challenges, rather than knowledge gaps, often hinder prosecutions; early-stage gender-sensitive interventions in criminal justice systems are critical.
4. Intersectional approaches to justice must account for cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers that survivors face in accessing support.
5. The inclusion of civil society advocates and local practitioners was highlighted as vital for bridging the gap between legal norms and survivor realities.

A Shared Path Forward

Today, we’ve covered a lot of ground. We’ve listened to survivors’ stories, learned from each other’s expertise, and brainstormed new ways to tackle one of the most pervasive and devastating forms of violence.

But this can’t be the end of the conversation. To keep the momentum alive, I propose we host an alumni event in the near future. It would be an opportunity to revisit today’s themes, share progress, and strengthen our collaborations. Together, we can continue to push for the systemic changes that survivors deserve.

Thank you all for your dedication, your insights, and your passion. Safe travels to those attending in person, and a warm thank you to those who joined us online. Let’s stay connected and keep building on this important work.